The central theme of the memoir to me is Rick Bragg growing up knowing nothing but animosity towards his father for what he put his brothers and mother through. He is conflicted because he also loves his father, but cannot find it in him to forgive him, not without a sense of betrayal to himself or his mother and siblings.
Rick is not prepared to see his father in such a weakened state when he arrives and it throws his emotions into further turmoil. In his mind’s eye, he wants to see his father as a good looking young man, well dressed and groomed as in photographs. Rick’s wish to see a younger man greet him are shadowed by his real memories a man that was always drunk, unsteady and slurring his words. A man that left his wife and small
Rick is not prepared to see his father in such a weakened state when he arrives and it throws his emotions into further turmoil. In his mind’s eye, he wants to see his father as a good looking young man, well dressed and groomed as in photographs. Rick’s wish to see a younger man greet him are shadowed by his real memories a man that was always drunk, unsteady and slurring his words. A man that left his wife and small